High country: hi-tech

Introduction 

The Mackenzie Country in central South Island is classic New Zealand high country. Until recently its most well-known land-use was the many large stations running thousands of sheep. In modern times an increasing variety of human activities have emerged, such as other types of farms, forestry, hunting, fishing, kayaking, rowing, film-making, stargazing, skiing, and heli-skiing. Many of these activities now use a wide array of innovative technologies.

Venture into this spectacular part of New Zealand to find out more about how technology is changing the way we are able to use and manage the high country.

Watch the introductory video - mp4 file 23Mb

Location

The Mackenzie Country is an intermontane basin located in the Mackenzie and Waitaki Districts, near the centre of the South Island of New Zealand. It is the largest basin of its kind in New Zealand. 

The Southern Alps form the northern and western boundaries of the basin.

Tuesday 12 May

Launch a drone and read the diary to find out more about how drones are being used in the high country. Watch the videos to see how technology is used to find out where you are and where you have come from and join local school students on a hunt for a geocache. Read the ambassador updates. Get the questions and listen to the recorded audioconferences.